URBN Coal Fire Pizza, recently opened in downtown Vista, serves up delicious New Haven-style pizza in a chic industrial-style ambience that is sure to please. Owner Jon Mangini began this new venture after his success with Basic Urban Kitchen + Bar in downtown San Diego. “So many people approach me and tell me how much they love to come downtown to eat pizza at Basic,” says Mangini. “Now residents of North County don’t have to make the long commute to curb their cravings.” Serving both red and white pies with delicious thin crust, URBN offers traditional toppings like pepperoni and mushroom as well as specialty varieties including fresh littleneck clams, fried eggplant, and bacon and mashed potatoes. The URBN salad is a combination of greens, pears, Gorgonzola, candied walnuts, and a sweet vinaigrette dressing that’s the perfect complement to pizza. URBN also serves beer, with two on tap, and a selection of wine. Enjoy your meal with a view of the full-size brick pizza oven and the chefs working their magic. Plans are in the works for more North County locations. (760/724-8840, www.urbnpizza.com) RINA VAN ORDEN
